The Macau Legislative Assembly has given initial approval to a bill aimed at combating illegal gambling. The proposed legislation will revoke existing measures related to crimes associated with racing and side bets and will prohibit online betting. Platform management involved in such bets, even if servers are located outside the region, could face up to eight years in prison.
Introduced in 2023, the bill will undergo assessment by a legislative committee. Justice Minister Andre Cheong Wen Chong emphasized the necessity of the document to ensure the "orderly and sustainable development of the local gambling sector."
To address illegal gambling, the law broadens the criminal offenses and includes restrictions for detainees, limiting communication until the first judicial interrogation.
In 2022, two laws on casino gambling were passed, along with a decree concerning the issuance of gambling credit.
